Official Notices

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ANNOUNCING Municibid
The Borough of Pottstown now has a website where you can bid on surplus items. A variety of items are avaliable such as Cars, Trucks, Heavy Equipment, Lawn Maintenance items, just to name a few.

Place your bid at http://www.municibid.com/storecatalog.asp?userid=398
Additional bids from PA government can be found here > http://www.pennbid.net/

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The Parks and Recreation Department is relocating!
Effective September 1, 2010 the Parks and Recreation department will be located in Borough Hall, 100 E. High Street, 2nd floor. We will continue to provide educational and recreational activities for all ages, continue to maintain the grounds entrusted to our care, and continue to support community activities.  Nothing has changed except our location.

We would like to thank the Pottstown School District, administrators and school board, for the support and the space they have provided for many years. The address may be changing but the collaboration between Parks and Recreation and the School District will continue. Our programs will continue to be housed in School District facilities and we look forward to a continued support system.

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A cleaner Pottstown – neighbors helping neighborhoods
The Borough of Pottstown has built a new report form called "A cleaner Pottstown." We are working to improve the quality of life in Pottstown. We believe that for homeowners and renters alike we can help the Borough become a better place to live, which will ultimately help with the revitalization of the Borough.

Before this can happen, the substandard housing, slumlords and unkempt housing conditions must be eliminated. We believe this website can help us change the landscape in the Borough of Pottstown.
Should you have a complaint regarding the above mentioned items please visit http://www.acleanerpottstown.org.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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NEWS FLASH!

POTTSTOWN BOROUGH CHANGES BANKS
EFFECTIVE   JULY  01,  2010
FOR WATER, SEWER, TRASH PAYMENTS

 

The Pottstown Borough and Authority will begin using Susquehanna Bank, High and Hanover Streets effective with any payments made on July 01, 2010.

This change in banking services will afford the Borough thousands of dollars in savings each year through reduced banking charges and fees as well as increased interest earnings. 

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU: change the payment address in your banking on-line system! MORE DETAILS HERE

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NOTICE

Pottstown Water System Customers
Hydrant Flushing

Fall daytime flushing of the Public Water System will begin Monday, September 20, 2010
and is expected to last 5 weeks. Flushing will be done between the hours of 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

If water appears brown or rust colored, run the cold water for a few minutes until it is clear. Questions, contact Public Works at 610-970-6527

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In our efforts to provide more reliable communications with Residents [and Businesses] in the borough, we have implemented Swiftreach Networks, Inc. as our Emergency Notification service provider.

Swift911™ in its simplest form is a system that makes phone calls to specific people or areas in the event of an emergency or for sharing important information. All the calls you receive will have the Caller ID of 'Pottstown Borough' or 'Pottstown Borough Police Department'.

If you are not receiving these calls, please fill out the form below to add or update your contact information.  You may also remove yourself from our lists.

Powered by SwiftReach Networks, Inc.

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Montgomery County Health Department urges residents to prepare for West Nile Virus season.
April 7, 2010 (Norristown, PA) The West Nile Virus (WNV) season has begun and the Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) recommends that residents take precautions to clear away mosquito breeding areas around their homes. WNV, which surfaced in the U.S. ten years ago, is commonly transmitted back and forth between
infected birds and mosquitoes. However, humans can become the unintended hosts of the disease when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
DETAILED INFO IS AVAILABLE HERE (PDF)

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CONNECT WITH YOUR COUNCILOR

The Borough Manager, Jason Bobst, is conducting open forum meetings for all seven Pottstown wards. The purpose of the meetings is to provide the residents information of events and accomplishments throughout the Borough and to allow residents to express their concerns in an informal setting. The meeting for Wards 1 and 2 was held on February 4th at the YWCA and the meeting for Ward 3 and 4 was held on March 11th at the First Church of the Brethren. Upcoming Ward meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
 
Wards 5 & 6 -April 15th, 7:00 p.m. - North End Fire Company, 301 Prospect Street
Wards 7 & 1 – May 13th, 7:00 p.m. –Church of the Nazarene, 1045 Beech Street
Wards 2 & 3 – June 24th, 7:00 p.m. – First Church of the Brethren
Wards 4 & 5 – July 8th, 7:00 p.m. – North End Fire Company, 301 Prospect Street
Wards 6 & 7 – Tuesday, August 10th, 7:00 p.m. Church of the Nazarene, 1045 Beech Street.
Wards 1 & 2 – September 9th – YWCA, 315 King Street
Wards 3 & 4 – October 14th – First Church of the Brethren
Wards 5, 6 & 7 – December 9th - TBA

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http://2010.census.gov/2010census/index.php

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Montgomery County Health Department's
2010 RABIES CLINICS

DATE	PLACE	TIME
June 5	Abington Recycling Center Florey Lane (off of Easton Rd.) Abington	9 AM -  11 AM
June 12	Collegeville Community Park 4th & Park Avenue Collegeville	9 AM -  11 AM
June 19	Harleysville Senior Center 312 Alumni Ave (off of Main Street) Harleysville	9 AM -  11 AM
June 26	Burnside Oakland Park Burnside Ave. & Oakland Rd. West Norriton	9 AM -  11 AM

Printable PDF Schedule

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Public Safety Notice

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well.

To learn how to keep you and your family safe please Click Here

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Public Safety Notice - Excelon Power Station

Important safety information and special needs survey. Click Here

To make sure you read any of the most up-to-date information, visit the Excelon Power Plant website.

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New Animal Ordinance

The Borough has adopted a new Animal Ordinance. If you have pets, please review the ordinance to make sure you are in compliance. Learn More

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Montgomery County uses the Roam Secure Alert Network to immediately contact you during a major crisis or emergency. The Community Alert System delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates to you on all your devices:

• Email Account (work, home, other)
• Cell phone (via SMS)
• Pager
• Smart phone/PDA (BlackBerry, Treo and other handheld's)

When an incident or emergency occurs, authorized senders will instantly notify you using the Community Alert System. This is your personal connection to real-time updates, instructions on where to go, what to do, or what not to do, who to contact and other important information. LEARN MORE - CLICK HERE

The Special Needs Registry is designed to help emergency management coordinators plan for critical events. Each
municipality wants to be positioned to locate and safely evacuate people who
find it difficult to help themselves in the event of a major disaster.
Learn about the Registry!

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New Ordinance NO. 2071 - Trash Recyling
On December 29th the Borough adopted a new ordinance for recycling. To see how you can do your part just click here to review.

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THE YARD COLLECTION SCHEDULE FOR 2010

Yard Material collection will be on the following days:
           
EAST SIDE OF TOWN                                                            WEST SIDE OF TOWN

May 6                                                                          May 7
June 3                                                                         June 4
July 1                                                                          July 2
August 5                                                                      August 6
September 2                                                                September 3
October 7                                                                     October 8

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New Recycling and Trash Collection

The Borough of Pottstown has awarded a three-year contact to J.P. Mascaro to collect all recycling material, trash, and yard material.  The new contract will start on January 1, 2009. The new contract will require changes to the methods used for recycling and trash. Residents are reminded to place all recycling, trash, and yard material by the curb or alley the night before the scheduled collection day.

To view and print any of the New Information, Recyclable list and Pick-up Days Map, Click Here.

Important Addition
BULK WASTE
No changes have been made to the bulk waste collection program.

1. Bulk items include but limited to: appliances, furniture, rolled carpets, larger
   tree branches, and mattresses/box springs.
   
2. Bulk stickers are required for all bulk items.
   
3. The bulk sticker costs are $15.00 for smaller items and $25.00 for
   appliances/white goods.
   
4. Bulk item collection is on Thursday/Friday as part of the trash pick-up.
   
5. If a holiday falls on a Thursday/Friday then the bulk items will be picked-up on the following Thursday/Friday.
   Any question please contact the Borough of Pottstown Public Works Department at 610-970-6527.

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Home Improvement Contractors
There is a new ordinance regarding Home Improvement Contractors

Home Improvement Contractors

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Solar Energy
There is a new ordinance regarding Solar Energy. If you plan on utilizing Solar Energy please review the Solor Energy Ordinance

Borough Business

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CONNECT WITH YOUR COUNCILOR

The Borough Manager, Jason Bobst, is conducting open forum meetings for all seven Pottstown wards. The purpose of the meetings is to provide the residents information of events and accomplishments throughout the Borough and to allow residents to express their concerns in an informal setting. The meeting for Wards 1 and 2 was held on February 4th at the YWCA and the meeting for Ward 3 and 4 was held on March 11th at the First Church of the Brethren. Upcoming Ward meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
 
Wards 5 & 6 -April 15th, 7:00 p.m. - North End Fire Company, 301 Prospect Street
Wards 7 & 1 – May 13th, 7:00 p.m. –Church of the Nazarene, 1045 Beech Street
Wards 2 & 3 – June 24th, 7:00 p.m. – First Church of the Brethren
Wards 4 & 5 – July 8th, 7:00 p.m. – North End Fire Company, 301 Prospect Street
Wards 6 & 7 – Tuesday, August 10th, 7:00 p.m. Church of the Nazarene, 1045 Beech Street.
Wards 1 & 2 – September 9th – YWCA, 315 King Street
Wards 3 & 4 – October 14th – First Church of the Brethren
Wards 5, 6 & 7 – December 9th - TBA

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A sponsor team consisting of: The Borough of Pottstown, the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, the Pottstown Area Industrial Development, Inc., the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, Montgomery County Community College, and the Pottstown School District asked the Urban Land Institute to conduct a one-and-a-half day advisory panel to provide advice and suggestions... read the report

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The Summer 2010 Newsletter is on-line, click here to view it. (PDF 6mb)

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During the period of July through August 2009, a consulting team from Emergency Services Education and Consulting Group (ESECG, a division of VFIS, Inc.) conducted a documentation review and site analysis of the fire services provided to Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, by the Empire, Phillies, Goodwill, and North End Fire Companies. This work effort was consistent with the scope of work described in the proposal agreed upon between Pottstown Borough and ESECG and detailed later in this report.

You can read the report here or learn more by visiting the Fire Department Page.

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The parliamentary authority for the Borough Council shall govern procedure in the meetings of Council, except where otherwise provided in the law, in the by-laws of Council, and in these rules. Read the Rules

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Amended Fees

There have also been changes regarding Permit and Application Fees to construction plan reviews. View the ammendment
       - Fee Resolution (please be sure to review the 2009 amended Fees)
       - Amended fee resolution for Code Enforcement and Tax Office. Includes:
          - Building Permit Fees (based upon computable square footage
          - Tax Collector fees: Duplicate Copy of tax bill, Tax Certification
       - Amended 2009 Fee Resolution for certain permits and other types of fees Includes:
          - Open Records Access Policy
          - Annual service charge for collection and dispoasl of garbage, rubbish
          - Kennel fee
          - Pottstown Borough Police
          - Finance Department: returned checks, water turn on fee,hangar rental, AR
          - Code Enforcement: U & O, Plumbing, Housing, Property Transf., Rental
          - Code Enforcement: Building Permits, Plumbing, Reviews
          - Property Maintenance
          - General Business License
          - Application Fee requiring Borough approval prior to Deed
       - Additional 2009 Amended Fees Includes:
          - U & O
          - Housing
          - Property Transfer, U&O Inspection
          - Building Permit Fee
          - Plumbing
       - We have also updated the Inspection Department Fees for 2009.

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Borough Listings
The Borough has comprised a complete list of all Council, Committee and Officials into a single document for residents to reference. To view and print click here.

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The Borough of Pottstown has enacted a new Noise Control Ordinance.
The ordinance seeks to prohibit noise that disrupts the health, safety and welfare in the Borough.

You can view the Noise Control Ordinance by clicking here. You can also view and print any of the Borough ordinances.

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Right To Know
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania signed into law Act 3 of 2008 requiring municipalities to establish an official Open Records Access Policy to become effective on or before January 1, 2009; and

In order to come into compliance with the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, the Borough has created an Open Records access Policy. To review the policy and lean more, click here.

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2010 Budget
The Borough has finished our initial budget process. To view the adopted budget, CLICK HERE.

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Econonomic Development
The Borough of Pottstown has a seven year Economic Development Strategic Plan.  The plan provides a balanced program of projects and initiatives to guide community revitalization efforts in the Borough.  Learn more

Happenings in the Borough

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Grand Reopening for the Pottstown Regional Public Library.
High and Washington Streets
Saturday 9/11/2010
MORE

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"Back to School" Book Sale at the Pottstown Regional Public Library
500 East High Street,
August 27th 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. & August 28th, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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A cappella fest, taking place on September 18, 2010 at the Hill School. MORE

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Carousel of Flavor
7th Annual Culinary Festival
Sunday Sept 26th, 2010
1200-4pm

Live Music, Craft vendors, art on display, 

Come out and experience many of the the area's greatest restaurants and a chance to sample the best food the region has to offer. There will also be a Beer Garden and Wine Tasting.

Proceeds benefit the Carousel at Pottstown

For more information visit our website at:  Carouselatpottstown.org or email:  Carouselofflavor@hotmail.com

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FIRST SATURDAY CELEBRATIONS
Brought to you by: Pottstown Arts & Cultural Alliance (PACA)
2010 Schedule:      May 1st, June 5th, August 7th & September 4th, 10-2pm
Smith Family Plaza, High Street, Pottstown

MORE INFORMATION (PDF)

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Pottstown Classics Car Club is celebrating our 30th year as a
car club, come help us celebrate this summer at our car shows, 5-9 on
High St, in Pottstown, Pa.

POTTSTOWN CLASSICS
proudly presents Nostalgia Nights 2010 - CASH and DOOR PRIZES!! FOOD, FUN and VENDORS

August 7th - Muffler Rapping Contest ( show on High St 5-9 pm)
Sept. 4th Show on High St. 5-9 pm
For more details visit our website www.pottstownclassics.com

PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION, RELAY FOR LIFE AND OTHER LOCAL CHARITIES.

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Veterans Day Extravaganza - November 12, 2010 WHAT A SHOW! - WHAT A LINEUP! - More

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Visit PottstownDowntown.com for additional happenings and events.

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Village Productions is a not-for-profit theatre group located in Pottstown. The newly refurbished building adds to the high level of professionalism Village Productions already exhibits.

A listing of the season show can be found on the Village Productions website.

Services for Residents

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The Borough of Pottstown’s leaf collection program will begin on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 and end Thursday, December 16, 2010.  Leaves must be placed in BIODEGRADABLE PAPER BAGS for pickup.

*LEAF BAGS WILL NOT BE PICKED UP BEFORE OR AFTER THE DATES*
*LISTED ABOVE*

Bagged leaves should be placed where your recycling container is placed for collection.  Collection day for bagged leaves will be the same day as recycling pickup. More Info

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Human Relations Commission
Are you aware that the Borough of Pottstown has a Human Relations Commission? It is a nine-member team of volunteers appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Borough Council of Pottstown.  The diverse team serves to improve the quality of human relations within the Borough of Pottstown. More information

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SENIORS 65 & OLDER RIDE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FREE ALL DAY! Click here to learn More (PDF)

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Pottstown Area Rapid Transit (PART)
Bus service in Pottstown and the surrounding communities is a publicly owned and privately operated system. The Borough of Pottstown owns, funds, and administers the system. The day-to-day operations are the responsibility of Pottstown Area Rapid Transit, Inc.

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FREE car seat safety check
Car seat safety checks are available in the Borough.
4 out of 5 child safety seats are installed incorrectly. More Information

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Did you know that Pottstown has local community television available for the local area? PCTV (Pottstown Community TV) is owned and operated by the Borough of Pottstown and provides local origination programming over Comcast Cable TV in over 75,000 homes in western Montgomery County, Northern Chester County and Eastern Berks County. In existence since 1983, PCTV currently produces programming on 3 local Cable Channels 22, 28 and 98).
Visit the PCTV web site

Parks and Recreation Programs

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Did you know the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department can throw a theme party for residents? There is no need to call an expensive party planner!For details call the Parks & Recreation Department at 610-970-6608

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Adult and Youth programs available.

The Pottstown Parks and Recreation department has many adult and youth programs and classes. You can Review these youth activities by visiting the Parks & Recreation Pages.

Items of Interest